Pathogenic organisms

Infectious microbes
Disease-causing bacilli

Nature

Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microscopic organisms, broadly known as microbes or germs, cause many of the infectious diseases in the world and millions of deaths annually.

Background

The global significance of pathogenic organisms emerged in the 19th century with the advent of germ theory, as epidemics like cholera and tuberculosis devastated populations. Subsequent discoveries of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens revealed their pervasive role in human and animal disease. The 20th and 21st centuries saw heightened awareness due to pandemics such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, underscoring the persistent and evolving threat posed by pathogenic organisms worldwide.

Incidence

Pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, are responsible for a significant proportion of global morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that infectious diseases caused by these organisms account for over 17 million deaths annually, with outbreaks affecting both developed and developing regions. The rapid movement of people and goods, urbanization, and climate change have contributed to the increased incidence and spread of these pathogens, posing persistent challenges to public health systems worldwide.
In 2022, an outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly pathogenic organism, occurred in Ghana, marking the country’s first recorded cases. The outbreak resulted in several fatalities and prompted international health alerts and containment efforts.

Claim

Pathogenic organisms represent a critical and urgent global threat. Their ability to cause devastating diseases, disrupt economies, and overwhelm healthcare systems cannot be overstated. Ignoring the dangers posed by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens is reckless and short-sighted. We must prioritize research, prevention, and rapid response to these invisible enemies, or risk catastrophic consequences for public health and society as a whole. The fight against pathogenic organisms is non-negotiable and demands immediate action.

Counter-claim

Our lives are crucially reliant on microbes. They provide, in one way or another, all of our daily food and that of other animals too – ruminants could not digest grass without them. Pedigree strains are responsible for creating gastronomic delights such as fine wines and cheeses. Microbes were the original source of the world's abundant oil supplies and are the active agents in the process of sewage disposal and composting. Escherichia coli is the principal bacterium of the biotechnology industry which is producing life-saving drugs such as insulin and anti-blood clotting factors. Clostridium acetobutylicum made acetone for the WWI munitions industry.